The Venetian's rooms are modeled on the city of canal's and Renaissance architecture, and while the marble floors and painted frescos wouldn't fool Michelangelo they are suitably luxurious. Rooms are massive, with their own living rooms and Queen-sized beds draped in a Princess style canopy. Set out on the Cotai strip, downtown Macao is a bus drive away, although the spas, swimming pools, and restaurants, as well as endless gambling opportunities, are all designed to keep you and your cash on site. The Venetian does run free buses to both the Sands Casino and Macao Ferry Terminal.

This resort hotel set at the very end of Coloane along the sands of Hac Sa Beach is where mainlanders and Hong Kongers come to rest and relax. The complex is designed to provide everything you'll need during your stay, including a spa, recreation center with swimming pool and its very own 18-hole golf course. That's handy, because the hotel is a 30-minute bus ride from Macao downtown, although the excellent Fernando's restaurant is just around the corner. Rooms are generous and feature signature balconies with generous views over the South China Sea. Booking ahead for weekends is a must.

Once the cream-of-the-crop, the Lisboa now struggles to compete with the seemingly endless luxury offered by the city's newer, casino hotels. But it does have a charm. Eschewing the pastel parlor of chain hotels, the rooms are a blinding mix of gold splashes, streaks of red Portuguese flair and period furniture. It's packed with character. There is a swimming pool and modest gym, while just downstairs is Macao's original casino and a fine roll call of restaurants. The downtown location is also excellent for those who want to explore the city on foot and the prices are more modest than competitors.

Climb inside Macao's Portuguese history with a room in this converted 17th Century Portuguese fortress. While the out of town location isn't ideal for those who want to be in the buzz of the city center, the palm trees, and sea views make it the perfect place to soak up Macao's more Mediterranean pace. In keeping with the historical setting, rooms feature brooding wood furniture and expensive looking curtains. The highlight the terrace bar, which features views out over the South China Sea and a romantic location to sip a cocktail. Pousada is both pricey and popular so book ahead.

Aside from the dedicated high-roller suites at certain casinos, the Mandarin Oriental is Macao's most luxurious five-star. Spacious rooms are well appointed with dashing Portuguese touches, such as a hand-carved teak staircase and Lisboa tapestries, and make for an ideal romantic escape. The hotel has its own, small, casino, an outdoor swimming pool, and some excellent restaurants.

All of these locations are likely to be popular at weekends when Macao fills up with gamblers from the mainland and China, and it's recommended to book ahead. Although these are the best Macao hotels for luxury, most of the major Casinos also offer luxurious rooms and have plenty of them. If you're in a jam and need a room, phone around the casinos.